Overcoming an addiction to drugs or alcohol can feel overwhelming. It’s not something that can easily be done on your own. That’s why people often turn to professional rehabilitation facilities like The Right Step Houston for help. When researching addiction centers, it’s important to look for ones that offer evidence-based therapy programs.
The Right Step Houston provides compassionate, research informed services in a supportive setting. We rely on tested methods and clear protocols, not guesswork. Evidence-based therapy for addiction gives you a structured path that has been studied in clinical research and refined over time. A program that offers such an approach is one you can trust to provide services with successful results.
Contact The Right Step Houston online or call 888.442.3028 to talk with us today about your treatment options.
What is an evidence-based therapy program?
You may often see the term “evidence-based” used when describing a facility’s therapy component. In order to truly fall under this form of addiction treatment program, programs must follow procedures that have been published in reputable publications or be recognized as such by credible institutions. Typically, this means a therapeutic approach using this term must have been used widely for a significant amount of time within established circles and must be shown to be successful in its results.
Also, look for therapies that have a wide base of research behind them or that have been written about in peer-reviewed journals. It’s important that such therapeutic methods have evidence of success in treating addiction. In addition, not all conditions respond well to all types of therapy.
There should be some type of protocol in use with regard to the procedures used in each therapeutic approach and which clients respond best to the model in question. You want to be sure the types of therapy being used are ones that have shown to be reliable across various settings and that results can be consistently measured.
At The Right Step Houston, evidence-based treatments are delivered by trained professionals who tailor care to your needs. Not every approach fits every person. A thorough assessment helps match you with behavioral therapies and supports with the best chance to improve treatment outcomes and treatment retention. This patient-centered planning is a hallmark of effective addiction treatment.
Why evidence-based treatments matter
Addiction is a chronic, treatable health condition. Using therapies with proven benefits increases the chance that skills learned in sessions translate to daily life. Evidence-based therapies can help reduce drug use and alcohol misuse, ease withdrawal symptoms with medical support when needed, build coping skills, and support mental health.
Examples of evidence-based therapy approaches
When a type of therapy is backed by significant evidence, you can be confident that it is scientifically sound. This means it meets certain criteria and that its results can be replicated again and again. It’s likely that you will receive similar positive results when being treated in an evidence-based program.
The following psychosocial treatments are widely used in substance abuse treatment and addictions treatment. Each one is supported by research, and many have manuals, training, and quality standards.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, teaches practical skills to identify triggers, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and change routines that keep substance use going. It is a core cognitive behavioral approach used across substance use disorders.
- Motivational interviewing helps you explore ambivalence in a respectful, nonjudgmental way. Studies supported by a national institute have examined motivational interviewing to improve engagement and outcomes in people seeking help for substance abuse.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy designed to help process and heal from trauma that may underlie addiction. It uses guided eye movements to reduce the emotional impact of traumatic memories, supporting recovery from substance use disorders.
- Contingency management provides small, meaningful incentives for meeting recovery goals, such as negative drug tests or session attendance. Reviews and guidance from national bodies show it can improve adherence and reduce drug use.
- Relapse prevention planning is a set of cognitive behavioral skills to handle high risk situations, manage cravings, and build a balanced life.
- Family therapy involves loved ones in ways that support accountability, safety, and communication, which can enhance recovery and relationship health.
- Group therapy offers peer support and guided practice of new behaviors in a structured setting.
- Individual counseling provides personalized one-on-one sessions with a trained therapist. This setting allows for deep exploration of personal challenges, development of coping strategies, and tailored support to address the unique aspects of each individual’s addiction and recovery journey.
- Interactive journaling is a therapeutic tool that encourages clients to engage actively with their treatment process by writing about their thoughts, feelings, and progress. This method helps increase self-awareness, reinforce learning from therapy sessions, and provides a structured way to reflect on personal growth and challenges.
- 12-step facilitation therapy is a structured approach designed to encourage participation in 12-step support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. It helps clients understand and accept addiction as a chronic disease, promotes surrender to a higher power, and supports ongoing involvement in peer-led recovery communities to maintain long-term sobriety.
These behavioral therapy options can be combined with medical care when indicated. For example, people with alcohol use disorder or opioid dependence may receive medications alongside therapy to address craving, withdrawal, or co occurring mental health conditions.
Levels of care and integrated support
A safe start matters. Some people benefit from medical detox to manage withdrawal symptoms before therapy begins. Others begin care in outpatient settings. At The Right Step Houston, your plan is based on individual needs, including any mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or trauma related concerns. If trauma is part of your history, therapies that address trauma can be integrated while staying focused on recovery goals.
If you are deciding where to begin, our team can help you map out next steps. Learn more about admissions for yourself or a loved one, or call us at 888.442.3028.
Evidence in action at The Right Step Houston
The Right Step Houston is committed to care grounded in evidence. Our clinicians draw from cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, relapse prevention strategies, and contingency management principles when appropriate. We also offer supportive services that align with best practices in clinical psychology, including individual counseling, group therapy, and family involvement when helpful. Services include alcohol and drug detox, inpatient and outpatient programming, aftercare and an alumni network, CBT-based skill building, motivational interviewing, 12-step facilitation, and care for co-occurring needs. While outcomes vary, the goal is consistent, patient centered, effective treatment that respects your preferences and values.
If you live in Houston or Greater Harris County, you can access these services close to home with The Right Step Houston. You don’t have to face this difficult time on your own. Please don’t hesitate to call our office at 888.442.3028 to learn about our program and how you can get started on the road to recovery today.